Las Anod (WDN)- Reports from Las Anod indicate growing concern on Villa Somalia’s role in shaping Northeast State Politics, following the release of the list of newly selected Members of Parliament for the Northeast State. Allegations are mounting that former SSC-Khaatumo leader, Abdulkadir Ahmed Firdhiye, together with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, is directly interfering in the political process to secure Firdhiye’s takeover of the new administration.

Sources who spoke to WardheerNews reveal that Firdhiye, whose term as SSC-Khaatumo leader has ended, is actively maneuvering for a political comeback. With the backing of Villa Somalia, he has been consolidating support, reportedly ensuring that many of the appointed parliamentarians come from his own camp. According to insiders, Villa Somalia is not only offering political cover but also providing financial support to Firdhiye, fueling concerns that Villa Somalia is shaping the outcome of the North-East State’s leadership transition, including the selection of the new speaker of parliament.

Firdhiye has recently joined President Hassan’s Justice and Unity Party. The alliance has sparked intense debate, with critics warning that such interference undermines the credibility of the electoral process and threatens the fragile unity of the newly established administration. Presidential candidates fear that the orchestrated return of Firdhiye could destabilize the new administration, the region, and a wider power play by Villa Somalia to extend its influence over the state-building process in Northeast State of Somalia.

On the other hand, a discontented soldiers from the regional administration blocked the vital highway linking Las Anod and Garowe on Sunday, citing grievances over the recent selection process for 83 members of the regional parliament.

The soldiers, armed with a range of weapons and backed by military vehicles, set up roadblocks along the main route, halting traffic between the two cities Las Anod and Garowe. Long lines of stranded vehicles stretched along the highway, disrupting trade and travel in one of the region’s most strategic corridors.

The parliament, expected to elect its leadership in the coming days.

WardheerNews